Apple plans powerful ‘server-grade’ iMac for 2017

Apple’s next-generation iMac with powerful new internals will start shipping in the second half of 2017, according to sources in the company’s supply chain.

Apple is also said to be preparing a “server-grade” iMac packing Intel Xeon processors, up to 2TB of NVMe solid-state storage, and a discrete graphics card that will be available by the end of the year.

When Apple revealed it was developing an all-new Mac Pro earlier this month, it also promised new iMacs with upgrades designed to woo power users. It also promised that they would be available this year; now sources are offering a more specific timescale for the release.

“Apple is expected to begin production of two new iMac all-in-one (AIO) PCs in May 2017 for an official launch in the second half of the year,” reports Digitimes, citing sources from Taiwan-based suppliers. Apple reportedly wants to make them available before the holiday season.

It’s likely the new iMac, which is expected to be manufactured by Quanta Computer, will come in 21.5- and 27-inch options just like existing models. They will look to compete with rival high-end all-in-ones — specifically Microsoft’s new Surface Studio lineup.

Sources claim Apple is also working on a third iMac with “server-grade” internals.

“The new server-grade iMac is expected to feature Intel’s Xeon E3-1285 v6 processor, 16-64GB ECC RAM, up to 2TB NVMe SSD and a latest discrete graphics card,” the report adds. It won’t be available at the same time as the other models, but it expected to launch before the end of 2017.

In recent years, a server-grade iMac might have eaten into sales of the Mac Pro, which also uses Xeon processors. However, it’s thought Apple’s next Mac Pro will bring back the modular form factor of older models, allowing users to upgrade components like the CPU and graphics card.

This will give the Mac Pro a huge advantage over the iMac and other computers in Apple’s lineup, though as usual, customers will have to pay a premium for the company’s flagship desktop.